How do I apply for free school meals?

Free school meals can be claimed by parents / guardians of pupils on a low income. All claims will be processed by the school.

Am I eligible?

Do you currently claim any of these:

• Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned Income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

I don’t currently claim free school meals – what does this mean for me?

If you think you might be eligible for free school meals, submit a claim to the school. Your school has application forms you can use. The Information you provide will be used to check if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and, if you are on Universal Credit, that your earnings do not exceed the threshold. If you claim Universal Credit, your earnings will be assessed from up to three of your last Universal Credit assessment periods.

If you are eligible, your child will receive free school meals and the school will receive extra funding.

For further information: Please speak to a member of your child’s school staff

Or visit the free school meal website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/free-school-meals/